Hot reads for cold nights for all ages

Posted: Jan. 24, 2013

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Staff photo by Carol Spaeth-Baue

Mukwonago librarian Ann Chiaverotti looks through some of the books from the adult winter reading list at the Mukwonago Community Library.

Staff photo by Carol Spaeth-Baue

Mukwonago librarian Ann Chiaverotti looks through some of the books from the adult winter reading list at the Mukwonago Community Library.

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Looking for a good book to curl up with on these cold winter nights? Librarians from the Mukwonago Community Library and Alice Baker Library in Eagle offered suggestions to warm a frigid winter evening. GreenBayPackers: Trials, Triumphs, and Tradition by Bill Povletich

No matter how far the Green and Gold make it in the post-season, they've already had a hot year on the "Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field" - a highly entertaining and informative read from Wisconsin author Povletich.

Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco

If you're going to be cooped up in the house all winter, you might as well tackle this complex, thrilling, and highly literate read. This mystery is a puzzle within a puzzle and we guarantee you'll feel smarter after finishing this one.

Dead Until Dark (and the rest of the Southern Vampire series) by Charlaine Harris

Vampires, werewolves and shape-shifters doing their thing in balmy Louisiana (among other southern locales.) The setting and story are sure to warm you up on those long cold nights.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Yes, it was a blockbuster, but it's still one of the best mysteries we've read in a long time. Set in frigid Sweden, the suspense will get your pulse racing, and with Larsson's masterful description of the icy and desolate Swedish countryside, you'll almost hear the snow crunching underfoot.

City of Thieves by David Benioff

Set during the frost-bitten Siege of Leningrad in 1942, the book follows the experiences of two friends forced by circumstance to run a mindless, and dangerous, errand for a military officer, all while trying to keep themselves alive. If you like pitch black humor and great historical fiction, the well-drawn characters and memorable dialog will keep you hooked.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Be honest. You probably haven't read this in years. Try it again and rediscover some of the most twisted characters in literature. There's just something about this classic that begs to be revisited on a dark night, next to a fire, in the dead of winter.

The Tiger A True Story of Vengeance and Survival: by John Vaillant

One of our favorite "man vs. nature" titles that you may have missed. This true story of a man-eating tiger in the barren Russian taiga will make you glad all you have to worry about in your snow-covered backyard is an angry squirrel or two.

From Alice Baker Library…

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

In the nineteenth century, twelve-year old Florence Crutchfield leaves a London orphange to live with her great-uncle, great-aunt and sickly cousin James, but she soon realizes the homes has another resident, who means to do her and James harm. It is one of the best books written by Mary Downing Hahn. Keeps you on the edge!

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

One of the best nonfiction reads ever, besides Seabiscuit, is Unbroken by the same author, Laura Hillenbrand. Her research is impeccable and her writing draws you in so much that you can't put the book down. Unbroken is the true story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II veteran and Olympic runner in an incredible story of "survival, resilience and redemption."

Ship Breaker by Paola Bacigalupin

The winner of the 2011 Printz Award, Ship Breaker is an excellent adventure for young adults. In this futuristic novel with tales of piracy and shipwreck, grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts in the Gulf Coast. Nailer, a teenage boy struggles for existence by avoiding his drug-addicted father and by scavenging for copper wiring to make quota on the light crew. By luck, he discovers a beautiful clipper ship that has been beached during a hurricane, worth more in scrap than he can imagine. This ship also carries the lone survivor, a young heiress. Nailer faces the choice of making a fortune by stripping down the ship or rescuing the 'Lucky Girl' who could lead him to a better life. This book is fast-paced and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

For younger readers...

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan is a children's book about a caring and thoughtful gorilla that lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He enjoys creating art and is friends with an old elephant and a stray dog. A baby elephant joins the circus and Ivan learns to see through her eyes. Ivan keeps his promise to his old friend by using his talents to make a change for the better for all of them. This story is told simply and the book is enjoyable read that would touch the hearts of all ages.

Catwings by Ursula Le Guin

Four young cats with wings leave the city slums in search of a safe place to live, finally meeting two children with kind hands.

Catzilla by Jim Davis

The many antics of Garfield the cat in graphic novel format.

Fat Cat on a Mat by Phil Roxbee Cox

When Fat Cat is frightened by a bee, she runs up a tree and gets stuck. Getting stuck just leads her into more adventures.

Garfield at 25: In Dog Years I'd be Dead by Jim Davis

Experience 25 years of the furry phenomenon known as Garfield with this fun, lavishly illustrated book.

If you Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

A series of increasingly far-fetched events might occur if someone were to give a cupcake to a cat.

Mister Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant

With his fine cat Tabby at his side, Mr. Putter bakes a Christmas cake for his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry.

Mr. Pusskins: a Love Story by Sam Lloyd

Grumpy Mr. Pusskins hates doing ordinary cat things such as playing with his owner Emily but a night out on the streets in search of adventure makes him reconsider the advantages of a loving home.

Tiger Tales and Big Cat Stories by Deborah Chancellor

Explains the sad fate of tigers, which are considered to be in serious danger of extinction.

When Cats Go Wrong by Norman Hacking

When a young boy comes across a stray cat on the street, he brings it home to his mother and begs her to keep it. She agrees, warning him that if the cat gets in any trouble, out he goes. Her words prove prophetic as Hell Kitty dips his paws into the goldfish bowl, sharpens his claws on the couch, and snacks on the butter.